Since there are not that many alumni of Duke Ellington's orchestra active, it is surprising that altoist Norris Turney (who was with Ellington from 1969-1973 and eventually replaced the unreplaceable Johnny Hodges) has not been recorded all that extensively during the 20 years since. In fact, his Mapleshade debut is the 72-year-old's first session at the head of a quartet and the music's obvious success is even more impressive when one realizes that Turney had never played with the other musicians (pianist Larry Willis, bassist Walter Booker, and drummer Jimmy Cobb) before. Norris Turney is a melodic swing player with a large tone and, since the rhythm section is quite supportive and sympathetic, these renditions of blues, ballads, and standards (including his own "Checkered Hat" and three Ellington/Strayhorn pieces) came together rather quickly. Highlights include the lengthy "Blues for Edward," "Blood Count," and "Come Sunday."

The title of this reissue LP is a bit ironic for jazz was really struggling commercially in 1967 and the "hits" were few and far between. In fact flugelhornist Art Farmer, who leads the notable hard bop quintet, would be moving to Europe the following year where he would work much more often than he had in the U.S.

This 1965 session marked Sonny Rollins's debut recording for the Impulse! label and ranks among his best releases. This collection of standards showcases Rollins's sax playing but his band has also been lauded for an exceptional performance here, notably pianist Ray Bryant.

"Live at Rosy's" is a newly discovered live recording captured in an intimate club setting on May 31, 1978 at Rosy's in New Orleans. Featuring nearly 90 minutes of music from 'the Divine One', Sarah Vaughan backed by her trio of pianist Carl Schroeder, bassist Walter Booker and drummer Jimmy Cobb. "Live at Rosy's" is a collection material originally recorded for the Peabody Award-winning NPR radio program Jazz Alive! with host Dr. Billy Taylor, some of which has never been aired before.

"Blackjack" was originally released in 1967 and features performances by Byrd with Sonny Red, Hank Mobley, Cedar Walton, Walter Booker, and Billy Higgins. It was produced by Alfred Lion and recorded at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.